Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
DEVON, Pa. (Sept.10, 2018) — The American Red Cross joined Main Line Mentoring, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Tredyffrin Township and Surrey Services, among other organizations, to honor the public and community service of Paul W. Olson on Saturday, Sept. 8.
Among his many service activities, Olson, 86, of Devon, has donated 654 units of blood – close to 82 gallons and counting – to the American Red Cross over the past 69 years. Because every unit of donated blood can potentially help up to three people, Paul’s donations have potentially impacted more than 1,900 patients and their families.
“Every day, the Red Cross must collect close to 800 units of blood right here in our region to meet patient demand. It’s generous donors, like Paul, that allow the Red Cross to fulfill its mission and to help those patients,” said Alana Mauger, communications manager, Red Cross Penn Jersey Blood Services Region.
“Paul’s dedication is an inspiration to current and future blood donors, and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for his service,” she said.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.